TORONTO -- The Canadian government has refused to take part in a planned North America missile defense system despite personal lobbying by President George W. Bush last November, U.S. officials said.

The long-awaited decision from Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada was a symbolic setback for the Bush administration, at a time when it is trying to heal rifts with allies that emerged from the invasion of Iraq.

Martin's decision was conveyed privately to senior U.S. officials this week in Ottawa, and at the NATO summit meeting in Brussels, U.S. officials said. Asked about the issue on Wednesday in Parliament, Martin would not confirm that a decision had been made; but, according to Canadian newspaper reports quoting anonymous sources, an official announcement is expected to be made this week.
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